Re: Questions for candidates

[Magdalen Berns <m berns thismagpie com>]

Hi Richard,

On Fri, May 29, 2015 at 7:24 PM, Magdalen Berns <m berns thismagpie com> wrote:

Hi Richard

  > There are a few subtle ways of getting the message out which we could
  > explore: For example, getting GNOME listed onto some popular websites in
  > the UK (e.g. BBC, NHS, RNIB etc) and elsewhere, by approaching them with up
  > to date instruction manuals on how to use GNOME's accessibility tools so
  > they can publish them or provide links.

These are candidate ways for how to promote GNOME.  They might be good
ways.  The board would want to compare them with other possible ways
in order to choose.

However, I'm raising a different point: about spreading the ideas of
free software.  That is different from use of GNOME. 

Thus, I ask, how would you piggy-back spreading the ideas of
free software onto GNOME and the promotion of GNOME?

I don't follow why you see these as such different things: GNOME is free software; by promoting GNOME, we are therefore promoting free software and the ideas which come with its use.

Spreading much more general ideas of free software is something which other organisations (e.g. FSF) are already established to address. I really think that the directors of GNOME are supposed to spend their time on work which directly relates to GNOME's core mission; if elected, I would be keen to focus on that commitment.

Oh wait, I think I do actually see what you mean now.... You're concerned about the message we send out if we use non-free software to promote GNOME and things like this e.g. git servers and social networking?

In that regard, I'd have no problem advocating we always seek to use more free-software resources where alternatives exist and generally seek to improve our own infrastructure so we rely on 3rd party tools less in general so it's less of a concern.

I would definitely advocate we scrap the investigation into google adwords. For one thing it won't actually make the money that the advertising space is worth so I think there are more constructive uses of that space which could promote select businesses who are more in line with what we are about.

Bear in mind though, with these sorts of things I cannot make promises about what I would be able deliver. As suggested in other threads, as one of seven directors I could only really advocate what I think are appropriate and reasonable strategies and do my best to gain a consensus from the community about these sorts of things. GNOME is a democratic organisation so I can't and (I don't want to) impose anything on the community which they aren't down with.

Magdalen